Electricals and home technology products again turned out to be star performers for department store group John Lewis.

In the week to January 21, sales of electricals were 22 per cent ahead of a year ago far outstripping rises in fashion (up 9.6 per cent) and home (up 5.8 per cent).

“Electrical and Home Technology has really seen a return to form of late, with last week seeing small electrical passing their full year stretch target and imaging hopefully starting a significant turnaround following worldwide issues in their supply base last year,” said Nat Wakely, director of selling operations for John Lewis Region A.

He added: “IT, however, was the definite star of the show at +90 per cent, with computers doubling their trade from a year ago, while TVs are clearly benefiting from another round of digital switchover and bolstered by the issues surrounding VAT a year ago.”

Online sales at johnlewis.com were 47 per cent up on a year ago with online sales of electricals up 48 per cent.